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Sports

Hounds Host FanFest in Ashburn

Join baseball enthusiasts from all over for fun and excitement Sunday.

For baseball fans in Loudoun County that are itching for the season to start, there is one place to go that is second best to a game: FanFest. Traditionally, professional baseball teams hold events a month or two before spring training begins to introduce the team to the community.

With minor league baseball arriving in Loudoun in the 2012 season, the Loudoun Hounds wanted to connect with fans early on. So, the Hounds will be hosting their inaugural FanFest Sunday, Feb. 13, at Stone Bridge High School from noon to 6 p.m. 

“FanFest is like a rally for the team, and with baseball coming to Loudoun we are looking forward to the fans' excitement,” said Steven Tricarico, vice president of marketing for the Hounds.

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Throughout the day there will be activities for people of all ages to enjoy, including inflatable bounce toys, face painting, balloon twisters, merchandise sales, autograph opportunities, presentations, a silent auction and former Major League Baseball players welcoming fans and posing for photographs. More than a dozen baseball stars including Frank Howard, Boog Powell, Tommy John and Cecil Fielder will be there. [Learn more about the baseball stars here.]

“We want to make sure this event is a memorable experience for all of our fans and for it to be an event that everyone will have on their calendars year after year,” Tricarico said.

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A moment that many fans have anticipated are sure to remember will be the unveiling of the official mascot and name in the main gym at 2 p.m. For those still wishing to get in on the mascot naming competition, submissions will be accepted until Saturday evening. Entry forms can be downloaded here and turned in at local Chick-Fil-A restaurants.

Concessions will be available at the event, and admission is free.

The team encourages attendees to park at Belmont Station Elementary School and take the free shuttle to Stone Bridge High School.

For more information, visit the Hounds' Web site. All images courtesy of the Loudoun Hounds.

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